The head of government then wrote on Twitter that it was an open and good conversation.
Wien. Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) started his announced talks with the leaders of the parliamentary parties on Monday. First in line were SPÖ chairman Pamela Rendi-Wagner and NEOS chairwoman Beate Meinl-Reisinger. Schallenberg then emphasized once again via Twitter that his hand was outstretched. This also includes “constructive and open exchange with the opposition”.
After the meeting with Rendi-Wagner, Schallenberg had said that they agreed to have a constructive dialogue even in turbulent times and to want to communicate with each other on an equal footing. The SP leader expressed herself in a very similar way: “The work for our country must go on.” Austria could not afford to stand still and blockades within the coalition. Conversations at eye level are particularly important in turbulent times.
Open and good conversation with @rendiwagner. We agree that even in turbulent times we will have a constructive dialogue and communicate with one another on an equal footing. Good cooperation! pic.twitter.com/yeyQ18i6nn
— Alexander Schallenberg (@a_schallenberg) October 18, 2021
As I made clear in the government statement, my hand is outstretched. This also includes a constructive and open exchange with the opposition. Thanks, @BMeinl, for your visit to the Federal Chancellery. I look forward to a good cooperation. pic.twitter.com/EvKN644b7e
— Alexander Schallenberg (@a_schallenberg) October 18, 2021
Telephone conversation with Merkel
Schallenberg also made a phone call in between, namely with the outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He is looking forward to further cooperation and getting to know each other personally at the European Council this week, tweeted the Chancellor after the “good conversation”.
The date for the meeting with FPÖ boss Herbert Kickl has not yet been set. There will probably also be an exchange with the chairmen of the social partner organizations this week or the next. Schallenberg has already contacted the state governors by telephone or wants to meet them personally.
A longer meeting with ÖVP chairman Sebastian Kurz announced that the Green Party spokesman Werner Kogler would. This week, however, this will take place away from the media, was announced on Monday on request.
